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Feb 10
Love1

Love Your Pet (by improving their dental health)

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POV: You wake up in the morning and your dog or cat is ready to eat their morning meal. You fill up their bowl with their favorite kibble and place the bowl in front of them. They try to eat the kibble, but you notice that they are only chewing on one side of their mouth and are eating very slowly. They do not finish the food in the bowl.  Now while this does not seem like an emergency, your dog or cat may start to lose weight over time due to not being able to finish their food and more importantly, it can indicate pain. You take your pet to their veterinarian and the veterinarian explains that your pet has dental disease and will need some extractions. Could this have been prevented? 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Your pet’s dental health is extremely important for their overall health and quality of life. There are many causes of dental issues for cats and dogs, but the most common is periodontal disease. The problem starts with plaque that eventually hardens into tartar on your pet’s teeth. When plaque and tartar are below the gumline, it sets the stage for inflammation and infection, which can damage the tissue that connects the teeth to the jawbone. Periodontal disease does not stop at your pet’s mouth, it has also been linked to heart and liver disease.  

Do not fear, there are many steps you can take as a pet owner to prevent your pet from having a painful mouth. 

Signs of Dental Disease 

  • Bad breath 
  • Pawing at the mouth 
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Change in eating habits 
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Resistance to having face or mouth touched

Prevention 

  1. Brush. Your. Pet’s. Teeth… Daily.  While it is nice that your groomer may brush your pet’s teeth, you may only take your pet to the groomer once every 6-8 weeks (if that). It is ideal to brush your pet’s teeth with veterinary paste (NOT human toothpaste) once a day to prevent plaque build-up.  
  2. Dental chews are a fun way to reward your pet while keeping their dental health in mind. Chews exercise the mouth and act as an abrasive on the teeth. Make sure the chews are not too hard for your pet because then you risk your pet breaking a tooth. 
  3. Water additives are a convenient way to maintain pet dental health and freshen your pet’s breath. These products work by enzymatically breaking down plaque before it can solidify on the teeth. These additives can be flavored or plain.  
  4. Dental Powders 

The best products are those recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products have the VOHC seal on their packaging. 

Training for Toothbrushing 

Many pets may run away when you chase them around the house with toothpaste on a toothbrush. Would you let someone else brush your teeth that was not highly trained at avoiding the ouch spots? To avoid this, training is necessary, and it is best to use just your finger when brushing your pets’ teeth. Start by using a command and rub your finger along your pets gumline and teeth. After this, reward your pet with a treat they love. Once they are used to this action, try adding the toothpaste on your finger and let your pet smell and taste the toothpaste, then rub it along their gums and teeth as you did before and make sure to reward them after. Keep your pet’s toothpaste right next to where you keep your treats so that your pet associates the toothbrushing with a reward!  

Treatment 

If your pet has dental disease, it is probably time for a professional cleaning by your veterinarian. First, your veterinarian will obtain a history and perform a full exam including an awake oral examination. Your pet with have pre-anesthetic testing performed, including bloodwork and an electrocardiogram if indicated, prior to being placed under anesthesia. After this is complete, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia and monitored by a licensed veterinary technician. The veterinarian will then perform a sedated oral exam and full dental x-rays will be taken. The teeth are then polished and cleaned, and if needed, surgical extractions will be performed on diseased teeth. After the procedure has ended, your pet is monitored closely while recovering from anesthesia. We take great care to manage anxiety and pain both pre and post dental procedures.  

One Final Note… 

Professional cleaning is important, but it does not last forever. Within days of getting a professional cleaning, bacteria will begin to lay down plaque in your pet’s mouth once again. Home dental care performed by tooth brushing with a veterinary paste is needed to keep your pet’s dental health in check, even after a professional cleaning.  

Dec 12
Love2

The Mysterious Canine Respiratory Disease

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We are sure that you have heard about the mysterious canine respiratory disease that is sweeping the nation and you probably want some answers. The cause of this infectious canine respiratory disease is still under investigation. The most common respiratory diagnostic tests have been largely negative for the known organisms that cause coughing in dogs.  

Respiratory diseases have always been present in dogs, and the recent outbreak is just like other outbreaks we have seen in the past. While you may commonly hear the term “kennel cough”, many organisms can cause a cough in dogs. Veterinarians prefer the acronym CIRDC. The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is a highly contagious illness that affects the respiratory tract in dogs. It is also referred to as infectious tracheobronchitis. The term tracheobronchitis describes the location of the infection in the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes. Several viruses and bacteria can cause CIRDC, often simultaneously. These organisms include adenovirus type-2, parainfluenza virus, canine coronavirus, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. Because the infection spreads when dogs are housed together, it is often noticed soon after dogs spend time in kennels, hence the name kennel cough.  

It is not yet known which bacteria or virus is causing this new outbreak. As explained by Scott Weese from Worms and Germs, it is not known if this “mysterious” respiratory illness is caused by a new pathogen or an existing pathogen that has changed over time. 

What we know about the new outbreak: 

This respiratory illness started in Oregon just a few months ago.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the cases for this illness have been found with these clinical symptoms: 

  • Chronic mild to moderate inflammation of the trachea lasting six to eight weeks or longer, which is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.  
  • Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. 
  • Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours. 

So far, cases have been seen in the following states: 

  • California 
  • Colorado 
  • Florida 
  • Georgia 
  • Idaho 
  • Illinois 
  • Indiana 
  • Maryland 
  • Massachusetts 
  • New Hampshire 
  • Oregon 
  • Rhode Island 
  • Vermont 
  • Washington 

What can you do to protect your dog: 

  • Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated. Vaccines that protect against respiratory diseases in dogs are the Bordetella vaccine, Distemper vaccine, and Canine Influenza vaccine.  
  • Avoid high risk situations for your dog such as boarding kennels and dog parks.  
  • Call your veterinarian if you believe your pet is sick.  

If your dog is showing any signs of respiratory disease, contact your veterinarian. 

Signs of Respiratory Disease: 

  • Coughing 
  • Sneezing 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Lethargy 
  • Discharge from the nose or eyes 
  • Labored breathing 

Vaccinations For Respiratory Diseases

Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccine (Kennel Cough) 

Kennel cough is a broad term often used to describe any infectious or contagious condition in dogs where coughing is one of the major clinical signs but remember, veterinarians prefer to use the more accurate term CIRDC. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that can reduce the trachea’s ability to clear debris and make a dog more prone to other organisms as well.  

Make sure your pup is up to date on their kennel cough vaccination. Our veterinary practice currently administers the intra-nasal kennel cough vaccination. This vaccine has shown to be effective against canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. 

Canine Influenza Vaccine 

Canine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can infect both dogs and cats. There are currently two strains of the canine influenza virus that have been identified in the United States: H3N8 and H3N2.  

While a bivalent flu vaccine protects your dog from both influenza strains, there have been major shortages in the bivalent flu vaccine for canines. According to Scott Weese from Worms and Germs, the strain we in the United States should worry the most about is the H3N2 strain. A monovalent influenza vaccine would be perfectly acceptable for your pup.  

Canine Adenovirus Type 2 

Canine adenovirus type 2 is a causative agent of canine infectious respiratory disease. Symptoms that are typically seen with this diagnosis are: dry/hacking cough, retching, sneezing, watery nasal discharge. In more severe cases a fever, lethargy, appetite decrease, or pneumonia may occur. 

Vaccinating your dog with a distemper vaccine or an intra-nasal Bordetella are both great ways to protect against canine adenovirus type 2. The distemper vaccination also protects against parainfluenza, parvovirus, and distemper. 

Resources: 

https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs 

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/12/articles/animals/dogs/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-update-dec-1-2023/ 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-respiratory-disease-outbreaks  

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/canine-influenza 

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/03/articles/animals/dogs/canine-flu-vaccine-shortage-issues/ 

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From Extra Love to Extra Pounds

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POV: You are sitting at the table with your entire family on Thanksgiving Day and everyone has tons of Thanksgiving fixings on their plates. You have a feeling that someone is staring at you, and of course that staring sensation is coming from the eyes of the family dog. Poor Skippy cannot enjoy Thanksgiving with a plate of delicious food, so you give him a piece of turkey… or two.  Little do you know that everyone at the table is also giving Skippy pieces of their thanksgiving meal. In the event that you did not have to take Skippy to the local veterinary hospital for pancreatitis from this thanksgiving feast, you take him to the vet the following week. His veterinarian is surprised that Skippy has put on a few more pounds since his last visit. You may wonder why your veterinarian is concerned about this excess weight and we are here to explain why! 

Why is your veterinarian concerned about your pet’s weight? 

Obesity in pets can lead to a variety of complications in your pet’s life. Obese pets develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and urinary bladder stones. Your veterinarian wants to help you achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle for your pet, and there are many ways to do this even while trying to help your furry friend lose some weight. 

Is diet the only factor that causes obesity in pets? 

Believe it or not, diet is not the only factor that can contribute to obesity. There are many factors that may predispose a pet to obesity such as genetics, amount of physical activity, and caloric intake. Certain medical problems such as hypothyroidism may also contribute to weight gain in your pet.  It is always a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian if you believe your pet is overweight so that they can rule out these medical conditions.

What strategies are available to help pets lose weight? 

The best way to find out how much to feed your pet is to ask your veterinarian.

Calorie Counting:  

  • The portion recommendation on the back of your pet’s kibble is typically more than your pet actually needs. 
  • The average caloric intake for a 10lb cat is between 216-260 kcals a day, depending on their activity level. Despite popular opinion, cats maintain weight better on wet food because it mimics their natural diet of high water, fat and protein content.  
  • The average caloric intake for a 50lb dog is between 751-1165 kcals a day, depending on activity level and breed. If we compare an active Labrador retriever to an idle bulldog, their calorie intake should be very different due to their activity levels.  

Exercise:  

  • Going on a long walk or playing a nice game of fetch is great exercise for your dog.  
  • For cats, wand toys or using a small amount of kibble for hunting games can really get them moving.  
  • For pets that live a sedentary lifestyle even getting them to move for just a few minutes, 2-3 times a day can help.  

Enrichment Toys:  

  • Using enrichment toys when feeding such as slow-feeder bowls and snuffle mats can help slow your pet from eating too quickly and provide a sense of enrichment to their everyday life.  

Limit the treats:  

  • Treats should be no more than 5-10% of your pet’s calorie intake. It is best to purchase low-calorie treats for your pet so you can still give them the rewards they deserve. 
  • Most cat treats are between 1-4 calories per treat which is considered low-calorie. Considering cats need only 200 calories per day and that a cup of dry food or a full can of wet food already supplies their needs, the additional calories from treats can add up.  
  • Dog treats come in a variety of sizes and calorie content. For instance, there are 139 calories in a large Greenie Dental Chew and there are 145 calories in a large Milk Bone Biscuit. For dogs, a low-calorie treat would be under 10-15 calories. 

Restrict the table food:  

  • We know it can be hard to resist saying no to your begging dog at dinnertime, but it is important to resist those sad eyes. Table food adds excess calories to your pet’s diet on top of any treats and kibble you provide for them.  

 

Useful Links: 

Warwick Wags: https://www.facebook.com/warwickwags/  

Outward Hound Canine Slow Feeders: https://outwardhound.com/bowls/  

Catit Feline Slow Feeders: https://catit.us/collections/slow-cat-feeders  

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“Spooky” Pet Behaviors

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It’s that spooky time of year again and we would like to discuss your pet’s “odd” behaviors. Some behaviors, although they may seem cute or silly, may be indicative of a problem. We do not want to scare you, but there are many behaviors that may warrant a trip to the vet and we have listed a few of them below.

Use our Pet Health Checker tool linked below to help you decide if your pet’s symptoms require immediate attention or if you should continue to monitor those symptoms at home.

Pet Health Checker
Strange pet behaviors that your vet wants you to pay attention to:

Tap or click each behavior for examples of what your pet may be trying to tell you or use our Pet Health Checker linked above!

Staring at the Wall

Smacking Lips

Licking Joints

Inappropriate Urination

Excessive Grooming

Increased Thirst

Loss of Appetite

Hiding

Open Mouth Breathing

Lethargy

Pets have a limited way of telling us something is wrong, and it’s not always shown to us through diarrhea or vomiting. When pets show us new behaviors that are different from their norm, it is always a good idea to call your veterinarian. Certain behaviors, like those listed above, are important for veterinarians to be made aware of because they may warrant further testing. You as the pet parent know best when it comes to your pet acting differently. If you believe your pet is exhibiting odd behaviors, give your veterinarian a call. 

Call JHVP today to book an appointment: 845-986-9900

Sep 05
Love1

Back to School Prep for Your Pet!

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September is a crazy month. While trying to get school supplies for your young student and starting to bring out the fun fall décor, we tend to forget about what our pets may need for the upcoming months.

September is also known as National Preparedness Month. Natural Disasters are prevalent this time of year, so it is best to prepare your pets as we prepare for our student’s first day back to school.   

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Having all of your pet’s items they would need in case of a natural disaster not only protects the needs of your pet, but it also helps make sure you have the ability to leave your home ASAP if evacuation is needed. Include your family members when discussing your evacuation plans and the location of your pet’s supplies! 

Let’s prep our pets’ “backpacks” so that no matter what mother nature delivers, your little friends are ready.  

What you will need: 

Food 

Always make sure you order extra food in case of delayed delivery times or stocking issues in stores. 

Water 

Keep a couple gallons of water in your home in case of power outages. 

Medications 

Make sure you have enough of your pet’s medications to get through the month, your veterinarian’s office may be closed if there are severe storms.  

Battery Back-up 

Get a battery back-up to keep your reptile and amphibian enclosures at the correct temperature. 

Enrichment toys  

Make sure to have some toys for your pets to play with in case they are stuck indoors. No one wants to take Fido on a walk during a hurricane.  

Transport Supplies 

Make sure to have your pet’s leash or carrier in a place that is easy to grab. If you are trying to leave in a hurry, you do not want to have to look in the basement for the dust-covered carrier.  

If you have a cat who fears their carrier, it may be extremely difficult to leave the house in a hurry when Felix will not come out from under the bed. It is important to always leave a new carrier out to acclimatize your cat. You can also place high value treats in the carrier daily so that your cat sees entering the carrier as rewarding. This will make it much easier to place your cat in their carrier in case of an emergency.  

Litterbox and Litter 

Make sure to have extra litter and an easily transportable litter box ready to go for your feline friends! Sorry, a self-cleaning litterbox will not be in your best interest here. Let’s stick to the basics as far as litter boxes go.  

Muzzles 

If your dog is fearful around strangers, it is advised to have a muzzle to keep both your pet and others safe. Check out The Muzzle Up! Project for more information on how to properly muzzle train your dog to accept the muzzle just like a collar. 

Identification 

Make sure your pets have proper identification in case of separation. A microchip is the best way to ensure that you will be reunited with your pet. A collar with an ID including your contact information, such as your cell phone number, is also a great way to make sure that others know where your pet belongs.  

Vaccinations 

You never know if you may have to relocate. Making sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date (especially rabies) is important so that you can have them stay with you at a pet friendly hotel! Check out pet friendly hotels in your area so you know who you can call in case of an emergency.  

 

Useful Links: 

The Muzzle Up! Project: https://muzzleupproject.com/  

Cat Carrier Training: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com 

Puzzle Enrichment Toys for dogs: https://outwardhound.com/dog/games-puzzles/  

Food Dispensing Enrichment Toys for cats: https://catit.us/collections/senses-playground  

Small animal enrichment toys: https://oxbowanimalhealth.com/our-products/enrichment/  

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Adoption August: What to Expect When You Are Adopting

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Congratulations, adopting a pet is so exciting! You are providing an animal with a home while freeing up more space at these rescues and shelters for other animals in need. Although many rescues and shelters try their best to keep these pets happy and healthy, there are always situations where these animals may be sick due to hereditary or congenital conditions or not socialized well due to past experiences/trauma. Even when you purchase a pet, this can still occur.  

As veterinary professionals, we see all the mistakes. Here are the things every veterinarian would like you to know before adopting: 

Always plan to bring your pet to your veterinarian within two weeks of adoption, even if they were seen elsewhere.  

Is the pet socialized? 

Socialization is important for the lifelong behavior of your pet. Puppies and kittens learn how to interact with each other and their environment during this important stage. The socialization period for puppies and kittens starts as soon as their eyes open and conti9nues until they are 4 months old.  

An unsocialized pet can show fear: 

For Cats: ears pointed backwards, wide eyes, arched back 

Unsocialized cats are more likely to urine mark, act aggressively, and develop systemic illness.  

For Dogs: tail tucked between legs, averting eye contact, slow movement, dilated pupils  

Unsocialized dogs can become fearful and unpredictable with their human handlers. They may become aggressive or urine mark.  

How do they look when you meet them? 

Look for signs of illness such as nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing or sneezing. A quiet puppy may not “just be shy”, they could have an illness that is causing their quiet demeanor.  

Are they up to date on vaccinations? 

The core vaccinations are distemper and rabies. Make sure that either these vaccinations are up-to-date or that you have an appointment at your own veterinarian’s office to continue the series.  

Were they dewormed? 

All pets have parasites and you can contract these parasites from your new furry friend. Puppies and kittens in rescue and shelter environments should be dewormed regularly.  

Things to consider prior to adopting: 

Do you have time for a pet? 

Pets do take up some of your time. Many dogs need to be walked daily and many cats love to play and spend time with their owners. If you work long hours, you may have to hire someone to let out your dog to avoid accidents in the house. Cats can get bored easily and need access to scratch posts and toys especially while you are away.  

Do you have the financial capability to take care of a new pet? 

Between food, supplies, routine vet visits, unexpected vet visits, and pet sitting fees, pets can really rack up the bills. As a pet-owner, you have to be ready financially before owning a pet to ensure they have everything they need.  

Are you ready for a life-long commitment? 

When you adopt a new pet, you have to remember they can potentially be around for the next 10-20 years of your life. Make sure to ask yourself if you are ready for this long-term commitment. 

Adopting a pet is a great experience and helps open more spots for rescues and shelters to take more animals off the street. We as your veterinarian love to hear your adoption stories and just want to make sure you are getting a happy, heathy furry companion. If you’ve recently adopted, the best first step to take is making an appointment with your local veterinarian. We would love to meet your new family members and make sure they are in good health.  

 

Useful Links: 

Ohio State University’s Indoor Pet Initiative: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats  

Puppy Checklist: https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/canine-life-stage-2019/caninelifestage_checklists_newpuppy.pdf  

AAHA Canine Vaccine Recommendations: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/recommendations-for-core-and-noncore-canine-vaccines/  

AAHA Feline Vaccine Recommendations: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2020-aahaaafp-feline-vaccination-guidelines/core-vaccines-for-pet-cats/  

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July is the Scariest Time of the Year (Says our Furry Friends)

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July: Fireworks, Traveling, Vet Visits, Yikes!

Does your pet look like this?

July is here, and it is one of the scariest times of the year for many pets across the country.  

Whether your pet is afraid of fireworks and thunderstorms or vet visits and traveling, there is a way to get through to our non-English speaking companions.   

You can help your furry friend feel more comfortable during times of stress and help them face their fears by following some of these simple steps. Sometimes, pets will need medications or products to help them  

 

Acclimation. 

We start helping our pets work through their fears with slow exposure training.  We use positive reinforcements before there is any fearful stimulations. For example: 

  • This can be done by slowly exposing the pet to a sound he or she may be afraid of, such as thunder or fireworks. Start by playing an audio of this sound on your phone during a nice, sunny day while giving them some of their favorite treats. 
  • A pet can be acclimated to their carrier by leaving the carrier out. You can also give your pets treats when they get close to the carrier or place their food on top of a hard carrier. Your pet will no longer associate the “tiny jail” in a negative way since we are forming many happy memories. Your pet will no longer run for dear life every time you take the carrier out of the closet. 
  • Nail Trims are also difficult for so many pets. You can get your pet acclimated to nail trims by touching their shoulders then legs and feet while providing yummy treats. You can also keep clippers in sight while they are eating or relaxing. 

Desensitization. 

Systematic desensitization is the process of introducing your pet gradually to a stimulus that would normally cause an undesirable reaction. During an acclimation process a sound or touch stimulus can be increased gradually to produce desensitization. Slow and steady is the way to go here. By working slowly, you may be able to bring trust and your pet will allow a nail trim or ear cleaning.  

If your furry friend is afraid of veterinary appointments, we encourage you to stop by with your pet for a “happy visit”. These visits are just quick stops for treats and all the love we can possibly show your pet. Now they will know we are not a threat. Please call ahead 

845-986-9900 

Medication. 

For when it feels like all hope is lost, we turn to medications that reduce anxiety. The use of a combination of medications to help your companion fully relax before coming to their appointment will diminish the stress on your pet and will decrease your stress as the pet parent as well! 

 

It is truly a terrible feeling watching your beloved companion cower in fear when approaching the vet’s office and it makes us feel terrible for them as well. We want everyone’s experience at the vet to be a positive one. 

 

Helpful Products: 

  • Nutritional supplements: Composure, Zylkene, Purina Calm Probiotic 
  • Pheromone Sprays: Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cat 
  • Devices: Thundershirts, earmuffs and goggles made for dogs and cats. 

 

 

Useful Links: 

About the Fear Free experience: https://fearfreepets.com/fear-free-pet-visits-how-to-take-the-pet-out-of-petrified/  

Fear Free for Dogs: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fear-free-for-dogs—overview  

Fear Free for Cats: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fear-free-for-cats—overview  

 

Links for products to turn to: 

Thundershirt: https://thundershirt.com/ 

Noise-Canceling Earmuffs: https://www.amazon.com/Famikako-Protection-Cancelling-Headphones-Fireworks 

Calming Cap: https://www.amazon.com/Delifur-Anxiety-Calming-Grooming-Sickness 

Composure: https://www.vetriscience.com/behavioral-health.html  

About Feliway: https://us.feliway.com/pages/what-are-cat-pheromones  

About Adaptil: https://www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-comforting-messages  

Jun 13
Love0

Why Does my Indoor Cat Need a Rabies Vaccine?

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Author Celine Mazzella

Being the owner of an indoor-only cat has its advantages. As an indoor-cat owner, you do not need to worry about your pet contracting diseases from other fury friends that they may meet during their time outside. You may ask “if my cat lives indoors, why would I need to give him or her a rabies vaccination?” There are a few reasons why a rabies vaccination is so important, even for your indoor-only companion.  

Outside critters may find a way into your home.  

Cats are natural hunters. It is not uncommon for wild animals that most carry rabies in the United States such as bats, to break into your home. Sometimes an indoor cat can also get outside and meet a skunk, racoon, or fox which are also carriers of the rabies virus. Whether one of these furry friends enter your home or your beloved pet finds a way out, it is always better to be safe and have your indoor pet vaccinated.  

There is no cure for rabies. 

Rabies is a fatal viral disease. Once potentially exposed to rabies, a vaccinated pet will have to receive a booster vaccination and go through a quarantine. If a pet is unvaccinated and has potential exposure to rabies, the health department may recommend euthanasia. The only way to confirm a rabies diagnosis is to send *trigger alert* your cats head to the laboratory.  

Some Facts: 

  • Our region has a high number of cases of cats exposing owners to rabies.  
  • In New York State from January of 2008 to December of 2020, 13,915 owned and wild cats were submitted for rabies testing.  
  • Throughout this testing, 314 cats tested positive. 
  • 81% of these positive cats had contact with a human. 

Rabies vaccinations are required by law. 

Vaccination protocol for rabies varies by state, but most states require rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. In New York State, the law requires all owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to get their pet’s first rabies vaccination by 4 months of age, have their pet vaccinated again no later than 1-year after their initial vaccination, and to maintain their pet’s rabies vaccination status with no lapse in coverage from year-to-year.  

 

For more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/animals/index.html#:~:text=The%20wild%20animals%20that%20most,US%20were%20infected%20by%20bats.  

https://www.suffolkveterinarygroup.com/about/pet-owners-information/nys-mandatory-rabies-vaccination/#:~:text=Rabies%20Vaccination%20is%20also%20a,at%204%20months%20of%20age.   

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7998993/